Our team

Across Skern Adventure and Skern Skills, our team brings together decades of experience in learning, development and care. From instructors and tutors to programme designers and support staff, everyone plays a part in creating experiences that change lives.

What unites us is a shared belief: learning works best when people feel supported, challenged and understood.

Green grassy field with trees, a distant body of water, and a partly cloudy blue sky.

MEET THE TEAM

Richard Thomas
Executive Director
Harriet Appleyard
Head of Brand and Marketing
Matt Morgan
Apprenticeship Trainer - Outdoor Education
Desmond Squire
Lead Apprenticeship Trainer - Hospitality, Business & Admin
Andy Webb
Head of Development Training
Roger Clarke
Head of Operational Delivery
Alex Coyle
Skern Skills Director
Daisy Scanes
Field Studies Tutor & Outdoor Instructor
Aaron Lowe
Chief Instructor
Becky Van Der Zalm
Head of Catering, Housekeeping & Retail
Ed Tomlin
Centre Manager
Man wearing a red helmet and life vest paddling a yellow kayak on water near a concrete embankment.
Two women wearing helmets and harnesses smiling as they climb an indoor rock climbing wall with handholds and footholds.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

Many of our team members have grown with Skern over the years, even decades.

Our heritage is reflected in the deep understanding we have of our programmes and participants, the strong relationships we build with schools, employers and partners, and a culture shaped by experience, reflection and care. More than something we simply talk about, it lives in the people who deliver Skern experiences every day.
Smiling woman holding tablet while talking to another seated woman in a cozy indoor setting.
Young woman wearing a blue hijab and brown jacket working on a laptop with a young man in glasses and a pink shirt holding a tablet, seated in a modern office.

CARE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO

Whether working with children, young people, learners or employers, our team leads with care.

You’ll find:
 • qualified, committed professionals
  • clear communication and thoughtful planning
  • a genuine focus on wellbeing, safety and inclusion

From the first enquiry to the final day of a programme, we take responsibility seriously — because trust matters.

Smiling woman wearing a blue helmet and glasses, talking outdoors with another helmeted person.
Smiling woman and man walking indoors, holding notebooks and talking happily in natural light.

A SHARED CULTURE

Across Skern, our team culture is:
 • friendly and professional
  • supportive and responsible
  • confident without being loud
  • serious about impact, not ego

We work collaboratively, learn from each other, and continuously improve what we do — because the people we work with deserve nothing less.

Skern is built on people.

From instructors and teachers to schools, families and partners, we believe great experiences begin with great relationships. If you’d like to learn more about Skern or speak with our team, we’re here to help.

Smiling young woman wearing a blue shirt and a necklace with the name Rachael, talking outdoors with a group of people.